Local churches in North Fulton are engaged in efforts to assist those affected by the tornados that ripped through Oklahoma and the central United States last week.

Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church in Johns Creek is teaming up with the United Methodist Committee on Relief to direct donations to aid the storm victims.

“We’ve been in direct contact with Richard Norman from our Oklahoma conference of the United Methodist Church,” said Don Felice, director of communications at Mount Pisgah. “He has asked us … not to collect and donate clothing and other supplies at this time but that financial contributions are the most effective way to provide the survivors over there with what they really need at this point.”

Those interested in helping can donate by visiting the church’s website. He said the church has responded in similar ways following natural disasters in the past.

“The United Methodist Church is known for its compassion in times of need,” he said. “[The tornado victims] need our prayers and our support.”

Roswell United Methodist Church is also working with the United Methodist Committee on Relief to aid in recovery. Susan Leonard, director of communications, said the church has come to the aid of communities dealing with natural disasters when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast in 2005 and when Hurricane Sandy damaged the eastern seaboard last year, as well as other disasters in between.

“We have a real heart for helping,” Leonard said.

Through church members’ donations to Roswell United Methodist’s Global Impact Celebration program, the church is sending $3,000 to assist those in need.

Perimeter Church in Johns Creek is also asking its church community to donate money for those affected by the recent tornadoes.

“Our members are always great about wanting to help,” said Lauren Lopez with the church’s communications department. “They always respond so we’re very grateful for that.”

Perimeter is working with the Presbyterian Church of America’s Disaster Response Team and the Salvation Army, she said. Links to donate through both organizations are posted on the church’s website.

For more information about ways to help, visit www.mountpisgah.org, www.rumc.com/DARE or www.perimeter.org/disasterrelief.

*We welcome your comments on the stories and issues of the day and seek to provide a forum for the community to voice opinions. All comments are subject to moderator approval before being made visible on the website but are not edited. The use of profanity, obscene and vulgar language, hate speech, and racial slurs is strictly prohibited. Advertisements, promotions, spam, and links to outside websites will also be rejected. Please read our terms of service for full guides